Serious Shortage Protocols ( SSP's )
In February 2019, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 were amended to introduce Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs).
Further changes will come into operation on 31 October 2019 in The Pharmaceutical Services (Amendments Relating to Serious Shortage Protocols) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019.
An SSP enables community pharmacists to supply a specified medicine in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription and without the need to seek authorisation from the prescriber. An SSP would only be used in the case of a serious shortage if it is considered that it would help manage the supply situation.
Further information on SSPs will be made available on this page.
Last updated: 24th May 2022
Serious Shortage Protocol Guidance
Serious Shortage Protocol Archive
Letter from CPO - Updated SSPs - HRT Medicines 8th June 2022
Letter from CPO Regarding SSP - Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Medication 24.05.22
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP022
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP023
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP024
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP025
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP026
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP027
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP028
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP029
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP030
Serious Shortage Protocol - SSP031
Letter from CPO Regarding SSP - Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Medication May 2022
SSP019 Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) Oestrogel Pump-Pack 0.06% gel May 2022
SSP020 Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) Ovestin 1mg cream May 2022
SSP021 Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) Premique Low Dose 0.3mg/1.5mg MR tablets May 2022
Letter from Cathy Harrison (CPO) - Ending of SSP - Fluoxetine 40mg capsules May 2021